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| Western Shoshone Ian Zabarte in 'Downwind' |
Free. Reserve a seat on this link:
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International Uranium Film Festival
Las Vegas April 30 & May 1, 2024
April 29, 2024
Western Shoshone Host International Uranium Film Festival Las Vegas April 30 & May 1, 2024
Tohono O'odham and San Carlos Apache File Appeal: Seek Injunction on Sec. Haaland and Interior
Interior Secretary Deb Haaland speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony for SunZia transmission line project in Corona, New Mexico in 2023.
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| SunZia bulldozers tearing through burial places, ancient sites and medicine gathering places of Tohono O'odham Nation and San Carlos Apache Nation in San Pedro region east of Tucson. The fake green project plans to take wind energy from New Mexico to California. -- Censored News |
The SAN CARLOS APACHE TRIBE AND TOHONO O’ODHAM NATION APPEAL FEDERAL COURT RULING DENYING INJUNCTION TO STOP CONSTRUCTION OF THE SUNZIA TRANSMISSION PROJECT
Statement by Tohono O'odham and San Carlos Apache Nations
Censored News
April 29,204
TUCSON, Arizona -- The San Carlos Apache Tribe and the Tohono O’odham Nation on April 24, 2024 appealed a Tucson federal court’s April 16, 2024, decision that denied the Tribes’ request for a preliminary injunction to stop construction of the SunZia Transmission Project through 50 miles of the San Pedro River Valley.
The Tribes are requesting the court to rule on their appeal as soon as possible because ongoing construction of roads and power line infrastructure is inflicting severe damage on a culturally intact landscape that has evidence of human activity dating back 12,000 years.
“Power line construction has already altered an area of significant historic, cultural and religious value to the Tribes,” San Carlos Apache Chairman Terry Rambler said. “We urge the court to reconsider its decision that is resulting in permanent and unnecessary harm to our ancestral lands in the San Pedro River Valley.”
“The federal court decision is based on an improper application of a statute of limitations that should not apply in this case,” said Tohono O’odham Nation Chairman Verlon Jose. “The irreparable harm to historically and culturally significant places on our ancestral lands needs to be stopped immediately.”
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) agreed to meet its obligations under the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) to analyze the cultural and historic impacts of the SunZia project after it issued a Record of Decision (ROD) approving the power line routing in 2015 under the National Environmental Policy Act. (NEPA). The BLM has yet to complete the historic and cultural analysis required under NHPA. The Tucson district court, however, ruled that a six-year statute of limitations to appeal the power line routing began after the issuance of the ROD in 2015.
“This raises a serious and exceptionally important issue for appellate review concerning when the statute of limitations begins to run on challenges to the BLM’s failure to comply with NHPA obligations where the BLM separated the NEPA and NHPA processes,” Chairman Jose said.
There are alternative routes through existing power line corridors in Arizona available for the SunZia Transmission Project that would leave the San Pedro River Valley intact.
“We will continue to oppose this environmentally and culturally irresponsible project that could easily be rerouted through already degraded power line corridors rather than destroying this irreplaceable stretch of the San Pedro River Valley,” Chairman Rambler said.
The Tribes are requesting the court to rule on their appeal as soon as possible because ongoing construction of roads and power line infrastructure is inflicting severe damage on a culturally intact landscape that has evidence of human activity dating back 12,000 years.
“Power line construction has already altered an area of significant historic, cultural and religious value to the Tribes,” San Carlos Apache Chairman Terry Rambler said. “We urge the court to reconsider its decision that is resulting in permanent and unnecessary harm to our ancestral lands in the San Pedro River Valley.”
“The federal court decision is based on an improper application of a statute of limitations that should not apply in this case,” said Tohono O’odham Nation Chairman Verlon Jose. “The irreparable harm to historically and culturally significant places on our ancestral lands needs to be stopped immediately.”
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) agreed to meet its obligations under the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) to analyze the cultural and historic impacts of the SunZia project after it issued a Record of Decision (ROD) approving the power line routing in 2015 under the National Environmental Policy Act. (NEPA). The BLM has yet to complete the historic and cultural analysis required under NHPA. The Tucson district court, however, ruled that a six-year statute of limitations to appeal the power line routing began after the issuance of the ROD in 2015.
“This raises a serious and exceptionally important issue for appellate review concerning when the statute of limitations begins to run on challenges to the BLM’s failure to comply with NHPA obligations where the BLM separated the NEPA and NHPA processes,” Chairman Jose said.
There are alternative routes through existing power line corridors in Arizona available for the SunZia Transmission Project that would leave the San Pedro River Valley intact.
“We will continue to oppose this environmentally and culturally irresponsible project that could easily be rerouted through already degraded power line corridors rather than destroying this irreplaceable stretch of the San Pedro River Valley,” Chairman Rambler said.
April 27, 2024
Diverse Coalition Urges 29-Judge Appeals Court to Protect Oak Flat
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| Wendsler Nosie Sr., at Oak Flat. (RNS/Alejandra Molina) |
Diverse coalition urges 29-judge appeals court to protect Oak Flat
Tribal Nations, Christians, Muslims, Jews, Sikhs among broad coalition seeking to protect historic Native American sacred site
By Becket Law
Apache Stronghold
Censored News
April 26, 2024
WASHINGTON – A diverse coalition of tribal nations, religious and civil-rights groups, and legal experts filed 8 new friend-of-the-court briefs yesterday in Apache Stronghold v. United States, asking all 29 judges on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to protect Oak Flat from destruction by a mining project.
April 26, 2024
WASHINGTON – A diverse coalition of tribal nations, religious and civil-rights groups, and legal experts filed 8 new friend-of-the-court briefs yesterday in Apache Stronghold v. United States, asking all 29 judges on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to protect Oak Flat from destruction by a mining project.
A special “en banc” panel of eleven judges split 6-5 in the case earlier this year, refusing to stop the federal government from transferring Oak Flat to Resolution Copper, a foreign-owned mining company that plans to turn Oak Flat into a massive mining crater, ending Apache religious practices forever. (Watch this short video to learn more). Last week, the Apache asked the full court for one more chance to protect their sacred site before the case goes to the Supreme Court.
“This strong showing of support from Christians, Muslims, Sikhs, Jews, and other faiths shows that the government’s threat to destroy Oak Flat is a threat to the religious freedom for people of all faiths,” said Dr. Wendsler Nosie of Apache Stronghold. “We hope the judges will reconsider our case and ensure that Native American religious practices receive the same respect that all other faith traditions already receive.”
“This strong showing of support from Christians, Muslims, Sikhs, Jews, and other faiths shows that the government’s threat to destroy Oak Flat is a threat to the religious freedom for people of all faiths,” said Dr. Wendsler Nosie of Apache Stronghold. “We hope the judges will reconsider our case and ensure that Native American religious practices receive the same respect that all other faith traditions already receive.”
April 26, 2024
Freedom for Leonard Peltier among leading issues at U.N. Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
Freedom for Leonard Peltier, Arrest of Buddhist Monks in Vietnam, and Defense of the Amazon Defense Lead Issues at U.N. Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
NEW YORK -- "Leonard Peltier should come home and be with his great grandson and teach him songs, and what he has left of his life should be spent at home," Nathan Phillips, Omaha, Deer Clan, told the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York on Monday, as the second week of the session began.
Phillips began by responding to the concerns voiced at the Permanent Forum concerning the treatment of women.
"Leonard Peltier stood up for the people," Phillips said, and asked the U.N. Permanent Forum to write a letter to Coleman Prison and ask for a compassionate release for Peltier. Phillips said Peltier is sick, is 79 years old, and has spent more than 40 years in prison.
"They really don't know who committed the crime that he's in there for, and now his eyesight is really bad. He might die in there, and that would be death by incarceration," Phillips said during the interactive dialogue on Monday.
"The FBI admitted that they didn't know who did that, so they should let him go," he said, adding "the FBIs didn't have no business up there."
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| Nathan Phillips, Omaha, speaking today at the UN Permanent Forum. Screenshot Censored News. |
Phillips began by responding to the concerns voiced at the Permanent Forum concerning the treatment of women.
"Our men are in desperate need of healing, what we're doing to the women, that's not how we used to be." Phillips said the "extraction industry came in and took away our manhood. We have to figure out how to come back to our original instructions."
Years ago, when the Yanomami stood up against the gold miners, and were murdered, Phillips said he went to Brazil's Embassy in Washington with Western Shoshone Spiritual Leader Corbin Harney, who fought against the nuclear industry on his lands.
The Ambassador for Brazil told Phillips, "If you keep doing this, you're going to wind up like your friend Leonard Peltier."
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| Khmers Kampuchea-Krom Federation on Monday. Screenshot Censored News |
The Arrest of Buddhist Monks in Vietnam
The government of Vietnam is hypo-critical of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and undermines the self-determination of Indigenous Peoples in the Mekong Delta of South Vietnam, a representative of Khmers Kampuchea-Krom Federation told the U.N. Permanent Forum.
Human rights defenders are constantly harassed when educating the community about human rights.
Thirteen human rights defenders have been criminalized and are detained or imprisoned, an all time high for Vietnam, she said. This includes Monks, women, youth and men who have been reported and publically arrested for their activism.
Five Buddhist Monks were defrocked and disrespected in violation of Article 11 of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
One of those arrested was part of the International Women's Day event and was sentenced to two years in prison. Indigenous women are the most vulnerable, especially farmers.
"Our people should not be fearful or threatened."
The government of Vietnam was quick to respond and deny the statement, calling it misinformation that was divisive, and undermining its sovereignty. The government said it is upholding "ethnic minority rights."
Alicia Cahuiya, Drigenta de la Mujer
Alicia Cahuiya, Waorani of the Ecuadorian Amazon, told the U.N. Forum that their rivers are polluted, and the devastation by the oil industry has impacted the women the most, and affected their ability to carry out their traditional way of live, including gathering their medicine plants.
During the interactive dialogue on Monday, the Sami Council pointed out that too often, Indigenous Peoples at the United Nations are only respected in empty words, not action.
"We are not the problem, we are the solution."
As with Vietnam, the governments of Tanzania and Indonesia were quick to deny the statements presented by Indigenous Peoples in their countries, both governments denied human rights abuse. The governments said they are not discriminating and are upholding human rights.
The government of Vietnam identifies the peoples of the MeKong Delta as "ethnic minorities," not Indigenous Peoples.
The government of Pakistan said all of its people are Indigenous and they have no colonized settlers.
Read more:
Arrest of Buddhist Monks in Vietnam
Arrests include charges of "posting slandering and insulting videos on social media and charged with 'abusing the rights to democratic freedom," reports Radio Free Asia.
 The Khmers Kampuchea-Krom Federation is calling on UN Secretary General to urgently act against #Vietnam's persecution of the Khmer Krom community |
Ecuador's Waorani in Amazon
"The Waorani are Ecuador’s most recently contacted Indigenous group. Starting in the late 1950s, missionaries and oil exploration workers contacted the Waorani in the rainforest, leading to decades of oil exploitation, territorial displacement, and cultural colonization. Today, some 2,000 Waorani remain in their Amazon territory in northeastern Ecuador, including some Waorani tribes that continue living in voluntary isolation in the Zona Intangible," reports Mongabay."On Sunday, August 20th, 2023, in a historic referendum held during the first round of the presidential elections, Ecuadorian citizens massively voted in favor of keeping over 726 million barrels of oil underground in the Yasunà National Park deep in the northern Amazon Rainforest, one of most biodiverse regions on the planet and home to two of the world’s last Indigenous communities living in voluntary isolation."
This protects the ancestral homeland of the Waorani people and their relatives living in voluntary isolation, the Tagaeri and Taromenene communities. By banning oil extraction in this area of the Amazon, 345 million tons of carbon will also be prevented from releasing into the atmosphere, reports Amazon Frontlines.
Censored News new original series on the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
Indigenous Youths: Canada Failing Youths and Survivors of Residential Schools
Bolivia: The Women in My Community Have Always Been Warriors
Spotlight on Indigenous Youths: Katisha Paul
Omaha Nathan Phillips: Prayer, Lithium and an Ancient Language Lost
Blood Memories: Indigenous Women on the Frontlines Inspire with Words and Action
Warriors for a New Generation: Indigenous Youths
Indigenous Youths Lead at UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
Copyright Censored News
Today -- Diné and Palestinian Solidarity 'Spaces of Exception' with Filmmaker on Navajo Nation
Join us for a two day event on April 26 and April 27 organized by K’é Infoshop, The Red Nation, and the Palestinian Youth Movement for a film screening of the documentary “Spaces Exception (2019)”, featuring interviewees with our Native relatives across this continent and our Palestinian relatives in refugee camps in Palestine and Lebanon. The screening will be followed with a discussion with one of the filmmakers, Matt Peterson.
On April 27 we will host a panel discussion with Diné and Palestinian comrades on our shared struggle against colonialism and imperialism.
It is in this time, where we are witnessing the genocide of our relatives in Gaza that we must come together and share our strategies and tactics for our collective struggle.
* Mask will be required, KN95 masks will be provided *
Da’naxda’xw-Awaetlala land defender Rainbow Eyes sentenced to 60 days in jail
Photo: Rainbow Eyes outside the Nanaimo courthouse with supporters just prior to sentencing on April 24. Photo by Jordan Davidson/Nanaimo News NOW.
Da’naxda’xw-Awaetlala land defender Rainbow Eyes sentenced to 60 days in jail
Published by Brent Patterson on April 26, 2024
By Peace Brigades International, Canada
Da’naxda’xw-Awaetlala land defender Angela Davidson, also known as Rainbow Eyes, was sentenced this week to 60 days in jail for her participation in the peaceful blockades against Teal Cedar logging on the Fairy Creek watershed on Pacheedaht territory on Vancouver Island on seven occasions in 2021 and 2022.
CBC reports: “Angela Davidson, also known as Rainbow Eyes, received 60 days of jail time, after being convicted of seven counts of criminal contempt earlier this year, though she received credit for 12 days of time already served in pretrial detention.”
April 25, 2024
UN experts demand safe passage for Freedom Flotilla’s humanitarian mission to Gaza
Ready to sail for Gaza with aid, but Israel is putting up new barriers.
"South African politician Mandla Mandela, grandson of Nelson, has joined the Freedom Flotilla taking aid to Gaza, announcing that 'I am a living example of what international solidarity can achieve, we defeated the apartheid government.' Mandela said Israel's planned blockade of the aid ship would be a breach of international law, and that the flotilla activists were determined to break Israel's blockade and siege of Gaza." https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20240424-south-african-solidarity-mandelas-grandson-joins-gaza-aid-flotilla/
A flotilla of three ships, carrying some 5,000 tonnes of food, drinking water & medical aid, is about to depart from Turkey |
UN experts demand safe passage for Freedom Flotilla’s humanitarian mission to Gaza
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| A flotilla of three ships, carrying some 5,000 tonnes of food, drinking water & medical aid, is about to depart from Turkey | |
GENEVA (26 April 2024) – UN experts today demanded safe passage for the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, whose ships departing Türkiye will be carrying 5,500 tonnes of humanitarian aid and hundreds of international humanitarian observers to the besieged Gaza Strip. “As the Freedom Flotilla approaches Palestinian territorial waters off Gaza, Israel must adhere to international law, including recent orders from the International Court of Justice to ensure unimpeded access for humanitarian aid,” the experts said.
Casey Camp-Horinek -- 'Walking the Red Road, the Spiritual Road' at Bioneers
Casey Camp-Horinek -- 'Walking the Red Road, the Spiritual Road' at Bioneers
Casey Camp-Horinek, Ponca, shares her humor and good words at this year's Bioneers Conference. "We're walking the Red Road, every day of our life. What does it mean. It means we are a part of the elements."
"Remember who you are, and what you are," says Casey.
"The earth with a shake of her shoulder can shake us free."
"We have to honor the natural laws."
In this talk, one of the most respected, beloved and impactful longtime activists on behalf of Indigenous rights and women’s leadership as well as a major figure in the “Rights of Nature” movement, delves deeply into how many Indigenous peoples view the human relationship to the natural world and what their ancestral wisdom teaches about how to harmoniously interact with nature’s fundamental components, aka the “elements”—Earth, Air, Water, and Fire. Casey explores how these incredibly sophisticated traditional Indigenous land, water and fire stewardship strategies, many of which are now being “rediscovered” by contemporary managers, have much to teach us as we grapple with the climate crisis.
April 24, 2024
Amazonian Chief Ninawa Huni Kui 'Sacred Sites Maintain the Equilibrium of Our People'
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| Hereditary Chief Ninawa Huni Kui speaking at the U.N. Permanent Forum. Screenshot by Censored News. |
Amazonian Chief Ninawa Huni Kui, 'Sacred Sites Maintain the Equilibrium of Our People'
By Brenda Norrell, Censored News, April 23, 2024
NEW YORK -- Hereditary Chief Ninawa Huni Kui recommended to the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues that the protection of sacred sites be placed at the center of global discussions, to maintain the equilibrium of Indigenous Peoples.
Chief Ninawa said this is a "contribution of spiritual leaders to maintain the equilibrium in our people."
"We are directly affected by a model that is continuing at a global level, it is not bringing positive results for Indigenous communities."
Chief Ninawá Huni Kui
Chief Ninawá Huni Kui is a hereditary leader of the Huni Kui people, a Wall International Indigenous Scholar, and the elected President of the Huni Kui federation of the State of Acre, in the Amazon region. He represents 118 communities and a population of more than 15,000 people. The Huni Kui Indigenous people are part of the Amazon Rainforest and put their lives on the line to protect it. Chief Ninawá has been a strong voice against false solutions to the climate crisis and a global advocate for placing Indigenous rights and lives at the center of the climate and nature emergency agenda.
"When we protect sacred sites, it is not only for cultural events, but we also maintain the integrity of the sacred spiritual relationship with the Spirit of Mother Earth," Chief Ninawa said on Tuesday, at the U.N. Forum now underway in New York.
"I would like to make a proposal to this Permanent Forum," said Hereditary Chief Ninawa Huni, of the Indigenous Peoples from the Brazilian Amazon.
Chief Ninawa said everything is suffering from the impact of the climate.
"I see a need to speak and bring the voice of the ancient wise Indigenous People to this Permanent Forum. We have a suggestion that we may be able to use, and the spiritual leaders of the world can also convey their ancestral wisdom to this Permanent Forum."
"It is an important aspect that affects the balance of this world, with our medicine, with our spiritual connection that we have, I would like to propose that we put at the center of the global discussion the protection of sacred sites, both at the Permanent Forum, and at UNESCO which is here at this Forum, it is very important that they also consider this."
Chief Ninawa said this is a "contribution of spiritual leaders to maintain the equilibrium in our people."
"We are directly affected by a model that is continuing at a global level, it is not bringing positive results for Indigenous communities."
"A major step that we can take is to draw attention specifically to the protection of sacred sites, that protect the power of Indigenous People. When we protect sacred sites, it is not only for cultural events, but we also maintain the integrity of the sacred spiritual relationship with the Spirit of Mother Earth."
"If we do this, we will be able to live in peace, this is necessary for Indigenous People."
Chief Ninawá Huni Kui
Chief Ninawá Huni Kui is a hereditary leader of the Huni Kui people, a Wall International Indigenous Scholar, and the elected President of the Huni Kui federation of the State of Acre, in the Amazon region. He represents 118 communities and a population of more than 15,000 people. The Huni Kui Indigenous people are part of the Amazon Rainforest and put their lives on the line to protect it. Chief Ninawá has been a strong voice against false solutions to the climate crisis and a global advocate for placing Indigenous rights and lives at the center of the climate and nature emergency agenda.
Censored News
April 21, 2024
Canada Failing Youths and Survivors of Residential Schools, Indigenous Youths Tell United Nations
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| Photo: Screenshot by Censored News Canada Failing Youths and Survivors of Residential Schools, Youths Tell United Nations By Brenda Norrell, Censored News, April 22, 2024 |
NEW YORK -- "Canada continues to fail to take up solutions from survivors and Indigenous youths to address the legacy of the residential school system," a coalition of community-based Indigenous youth groups told the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.
Indigenous community-based youth groups in so-called Canada voiced an urgent need to have their collective rights respected for cultural and language revitalization, and climate justice, in the face of ongoing environmental racism, land and cultural dispossession and "Canada's willful disregard of traditional government systems."
The youths urged implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation's Commission's Call to Action 66 for multiyear funding for community-based youth groups organizations, to deliver programs on reconciliation and establish a national network to share best practices.
The youths stressed the need to have a voice in the decisions that affect their lives.
Censored News original series on the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.
The Red Nation -- Albuquerque Teacher Cut off Braid, Verbally Assaulted Student: Pack the Courtroom
MCKENZIE JOHNSON V. BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR ALBUQUERQUE PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND MARY JANE EASTIN
On October 31, 2018, two Indigenous students at Cibola High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico were assaulted by their teacher, Mary Jane Eastin. One student, had roughly three inches of her braid cut off, and McKenzie Johnson was called “a bloody Indian.”
Pack the Courtroom: Monday, April 29, 2024, 10 a.m.
Central New Mexico Community College, Smith Brasher Hall, 717 University Blvd., Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106
By The Red Nation, Censored News, April 21, 2024
On October 31, 2018, two Indigenous students in an Advanced Placement literature class at Cibola High School in Albuquerque, NM were assaulted by their teacher, Mary Jane Eastin. One student, who asks to remain anonymous, had roughly three inches of her braid cut off, and McKenzie Johnson was called “a bloody Indian.”
On October 31, 2018, two Indigenous students in an Advanced Placement literature class at Cibola High School in Albuquerque, NM were assaulted by their teacher, Mary Jane Eastin. One student, who asks to remain anonymous, had roughly three inches of her braid cut off, and McKenzie Johnson was called “a bloody Indian.”
Bolivia 'The Women in My Community Have Always Been Warriors'
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| Representative of the Bartolina Sisa National Confederation of Peasant Women of Bolivia by Censored News. |
Bolivia 'The Women in My Community Have Always Been Warriors'
By Brenda Norrell, Censored News, April 21, 2024
NEW YORK -- "The women in my community have always been warriors," the representative of the powerful Indigenous women's movement in Bolivia told the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues on Friday.
"Indigenous women and girls face many challenges and we are forgotten. We do not have access to proper education and health care, and economic opportunities. That is not fair and is unacceptable."
"However in Bolivia, we have made significant progress," said the representative of the Confederation of National Indigenous and Campesino Women of Bolivia Bartolina Sisa.
April 19, 2024
Spotlight on Indigenous Youths at UN Permanent Forum: Katisha Paul
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| Katisha Paul speaking UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues today. Screenshot by Censored News. |
Spotlight on Indigenous Youths at UN Permanent Forum: Katisha Paul
By Brenda Norrell, Censored News, April 20. 2024
NEW YORK -- "Our land is our future. Our Indigenous languages are derived from the land," Katisha Paul, Stʼatʼimc Nation, told the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues today.
With eloquence and power, Katisha urged more opportunities for Indigenous youths at the United Nations, a greater voice in the solutions to climate change, and an international convention on Indigenous languages.
"We are coming for everything that our ancestors were denied."
"Long live Indigenous Peoples!"
Omaha Nathan Phillips: Prayer, Lithium, and an Ancient Language Lost, UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
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| Nathan Phillips, Omaha, speaking at the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues today. Screenshot by Censored News. |
Omaha Nathan Phillips: Prayer, Lithium, and an Ancient Language Lost, UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
By Brenda Norrell, Censored News, April 19, 2024
NEW YORK -- Nathan Phillips, Deer Clan, Omaha, spoke of prayer, traditions and lithium mining at the United Nations today, and his words brought a welcome calm, in contrast to the fast-paced rhetoric of governments and agencies.
"I came to pray for the people and bring knowledge of what's happening on our reservations, of the lithium, the copper mining and the extraction industries, these things that are destroying our people."
April 18, 2024
Blood Memories: Indigenous Women on the Frontlines Inspire with Words and Action
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| Dr. Michelle Cook, human rights lawyer and founder of Divest Invest Protect speaks on energy transition and divestment during the first of two panels on Wednesday, hosted by WECAN, at the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. Photo courtesy WECAN. |
Blood Memories: Indigenous Women on the Frontlines
Inspire with Words and Action
By Brenda Norrell, Censored News, April 17, 2024
NEW YORK -- Indigenous women around the world are battling fossil fuels, mining, exploitation and oppression. The abuse of Mother Earth is directly connected to the violence against Indigenous women.
Women's Earth and Climate Action Network International hosted Indigenous women on panels during the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues on Wednesday.
Wowaglake MMIW and MMIP 2024 Conference Rapid City, South Dakota
Wowaglake MMIW and MMIP 2024 Conference co-hosted by Oglala and Rosebud Lakota Nations, today in Rapid City, South Dakota
April 17, 2024
Warriors for a New Generation: Indigenous Youths at the U.N. Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
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| Morgan Brings Plenty, Cheyenne River Lakota. Screenshot by Censored News. |
Warriors for a New Generation: Indigenous Youths at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
By Brenda Norrell, Censored News, April 17, 2024
NEW YORK -- Indigenous youths from around the world challenged corporations and institutions -- rising as warriors, defenders and changemakers that are honoring Mother Earth and protecting future generations, at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues on Tuesday, the second day of the two week forum.
Energy Transfer's lawsuit against Greenpeace is an attempt to silence the voices for Mother Earth, and Indigenous who are battling the Dakota Access Pipeline, said Morgan Brings Plenty, Cheyenne River Lakota, speaking at the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.
April 16, 2024
Federal Judge Denies Restraining Order Filed Against Interior Sec. Deb Haaland by Tohono O'odham and San Carlos Apache Nations
Construction equipment at the site of work in the San Pedro Valley for the SunZia Southwest Transmission Project is shown on Oct. 29. Alex Binford-Walsh of Archaeology Southwest
Breaking News: Federal Judge Denies Restraining Order Filed Against Interior Sec. Deb Haaland
By Brenda Norrell, Censored News, April 17, 2024
TUCSON -- A federal judge in Tucson denied a restraining order sought against Interior Sec. Deb Haaland by the Tohono O'odham and San Carlos Apache Nations. Haaland is pushing another fake "green energy" project, and bulldozers are ripping through ancient sites, ceremonial places, and medicine gathering places, for transmission lines to take wind energy from New Mexico to California.
Federal Judge Jennifer Zipps denied an injunction to stop work on the SunZia transmission line. Zipps ruled on Tuesday that the tribes and others filing the lawsuit waited too long to file, and the Interior and BLM had fulfilled their obligations to prepare inventory and identify cultural resources.
April 15, 2024
Indigenous Youths Lead at U.N. Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York
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Anpo Jensen, Kiyuksa Tiospaye, Oglala Lakota of Pine Ridge, South Dakota, delivered the statement of the Global Indigenous Youth Caucus to the U.N. Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. Screenshot by Censored News. |
Oglala Lakota Youth and the Global Indigenous Youth Caucus Lead at United Nations
By Brenda Norrell, Censored News, April 15, 2024
NEW YORK -- "We are witnessing the genocide and displacement of Palestinian people. We demand the right of return to their ancestral homeland," the Global Indigenous Youth Caucus told the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues as it opened its session on Monday.
Representing the seven regions of the world, the youths expressed gratitude to their elders for their defense of ancestral homelands, and recognized the role of forced removal of Indigenous children from their families, in disregard for the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Anpo Jensen, Kiyuksa Tiospaye, Oglala Lakota of Pine Ridge, South Dakota, delivered the statement of the Global Indigenous Youth Caucus to the U.N.
Mining interests and government policies threaten Indigenous with displacement, loss of life, the denial of burial and ceremonial rights and the disruption of generational knowledge transfer. The youths pointed out the lack of education that is based on an Indigenous perspective that results in ignorance, and said Treaties need to be recognized as vital in climate change adaptation plans and the legal framework.
Pointing out the global crisis of the genocide in Palestine, the youths called for an expert working group that connects the forced removal and ethnic cleansing of Indigenous youths and people from their ancestral homelands to the worsening climate crisis. They demanded the right of return for Palestinians and funding of UNWRA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency.
"In real time, we are witnessing the genocide and displacement of the Palestinian people. We demand the right of return to their ancestral homeland, the continued funding of UNRWA, and uplift that the devastating humanitarian consequences of war and settler colonialism for geopolitical interests is an international crisis." (See full statement below.)
Their statement brought a roar of applause at the United Nations in New York.
Anpo Jensen, Kiyuksa Tiospaye, Oglala Lakota of Pine Ridge, South Dakota, delivered the statement of the Global Indigenous Youth Caucus to the U.N.
Mining interests and government policies threaten Indigenous with displacement, loss of life, the denial of burial and ceremonial rights and the disruption of generational knowledge transfer. The youths pointed out the lack of education that is based on an Indigenous perspective that results in ignorance, and said Treaties need to be recognized as vital in climate change adaptation plans and the legal framework.
Pointing out the global crisis of the genocide in Palestine, the youths called for an expert working group that connects the forced removal and ethnic cleansing of Indigenous youths and people from their ancestral homelands to the worsening climate crisis. They demanded the right of return for Palestinians and funding of UNWRA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency.
"In real time, we are witnessing the genocide and displacement of the Palestinian people. We demand the right of return to their ancestral homeland, the continued funding of UNRWA, and uplift that the devastating humanitarian consequences of war and settler colonialism for geopolitical interests is an international crisis." (See full statement below.)
Their statement brought a roar of applause at the United Nations in New York.
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| Vice President of CONAIE Ecuador. Screenshot by Censored News. United Nations WebTV: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1u/k1ugwua9w4 |
In Ecuador, Canada's Mining Means More Violence
CONAIE said mining and energy transition is a crucial issue and affects Indigenous Peoples in Ecuador's right to self-determination. Corporations are using the term 'energy transition' which cannot be used to further the violence which has already resulted from mining.
"Because perhaps the greatest interventions we offer are our lives.
"Finally, the Global Indigenous Youth Council condemns all forms and acts of genocide. We recognize that our freedom is deeply woven and embedded with that of Mother Earth and all our relatives.
"We are not free, until we are all free!”
ICC said in a statement, "The Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC) is a non-governmental organization that unites 180,000 Inuit Indigenous people across Nunaat, the Inuit homeland that spans Canada, Greenland, Russia, and the State of Alaska in the United States. ICC integrates ancestral Inuit knowledge and practices to protect the Arctic ecosystem and defend land and ocean rights."
In recent months in Ecuador, there has been growing violence due to copper mining, in southern Ecuador, where Canadian companies are copper mining. Copper is considered a 'critical mineral.' Energy transition can not be used to justify pillaging and violence, CONAIE told the U.N.
Currently, talks are underway for a free trade agreement between Ecuador and Canada, but this cannot be done at the expense of Indigenous Peoples, CONAIE said.
Indigenous are being criminalized with the punishment that prevents them from speaking on self-determination.
Makanalani Gomes, Hawaiian Filipino, one of three co-chairs of the Global Indigenous Youth Caucus, expressed deep gratitude for the sacrifices and labor of ancestors and elders, including their work resulting in the U.N. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and this Forum.
“If I can implore you to take away one thing in particular. I ask you to listen deeply to these interventions that demand a world where we, Indigenous youth, no longer have to be defenders, activists, and advocates instead, we can simply be our fullest Indigenous self.
"Canadian mining companies must be held responsible for their actions," said CONAIE, the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador.
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| Makanalani Gomes speaking Monday at UN Forum. Screenshot by Censored News. |
Indigenous Youths: Self-Determination not a reality without changes: Youths on the Frontline
Self-determination, however, is far from being a reality for Indigenous youths, who face some of the most challenging issues across the planet.
The reality is that for decision-makers in institutions, Indigenous youths' engagement most often is "fleeting and not substantial."
Without true recognition, including structural modification, at the United Nations, she said self-determination for Indigenous youths will continue to be merely an "online document or check in the laundry list of a project involving Indigenous Peoples."
"We do this work in hopes that future generations no longer have to use their bodies, minds, and spirits to defend Earth Mother but rather enjoy their respective cultural ways and partake in the commune that takes place between a mother and her children.
"As our time as co-chairs ends, I will take with me the most potent medicine: Indigenous joy, especially the joy of Indigenous youth.
"As our time as co-chairs ends, I will take with me the most potent medicine: Indigenous joy, especially the joy of Indigenous youth.
"Because perhaps the greatest interventions we offer are our lives.
"Finally, the Global Indigenous Youth Council condemns all forms and acts of genocide. We recognize that our freedom is deeply woven and embedded with that of Mother Earth and all our relatives.
"We are not free, until we are all free!”
Reflecting on serving on the caucus, she said, "It has truly been the honor of my life."
Her address received a roar of applause.
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| Inuit Circumpolar Council at opening session. Screenshot by Censored News. |
Inuit Caretakers of Far North
The Inuit Circumpolar Council told the U.N. today that Inuit are the original inhabitants in a vast region that is rich in biodiversity. Inuit are working to ensure Inuit rights of living on the land with the resources. Inuit spoke on the importance of receiving the U.N. Equator Prize.
Currently, ICC is establishing an Inuit-managed protected area in the Pikialasorsuaq, a shared region between Canada and Greenland. The ICC initiated the Pikialasorsuaq Commission.
"Through community consultation with youth, elders, men, and women, this groundbreaking initiative aims to preserve the ecological integrity of Pikialasorsuaq, the largest Arctic polynya.
"It also seeks to enable unrestricted movement between historically connected communities. This marks the first international Inuit-led body managing an Inuit Protected Area, setting a unique precedent for conservation and Indigenous rights."
Naw Ei Ei Min, member of Myanmar (Burma) Indigenous Karen people. Screenshot by Censored News
The Criminalization of Indigenous Peoples and Rights
Indigenous Peoples are victims of mining and pipelines, and energy projects around the world, including 'clean energy' projects that do not take into consideration the human rights of Indigenous Peoples, Naw Ei Ei Min, member of Myanmar's Indigenous Karen people, told the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues as it opened its session on Monday.
Indigenous Peoples are imprisoned for maintaining their rights to their land, in opposition to mining or pipelines. Indigenous leaders are targeted to suppress the entire community. The report points out that Indigenous languages are threatened. Further, the report states that banks and private sectors should not be allowed to support this criminalization.
The report points out the use of the law to criminalize the defense of rights. It also points out the inadequate recognition of indigenous rights in national laws.
Selected as the Chair of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues this year is Ms. Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, an Indigenous Mbororo woman from Chad. She is an expert in Indigenous Peoples’ traditional ecological knowledge and climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Global Indigenous Youth Caucus photo by Gervais Ndihokubwayo
Naw Ei Ei Min, member of Myanmar (Burma) Indigenous Karen people. Screenshot by Censored News
The Criminalization of Indigenous Peoples and Rights
Indigenous Peoples are victims of mining and pipelines, and energy projects around the world, including 'clean energy' projects that do not take into consideration the human rights of Indigenous Peoples, Naw Ei Ei Min, member of Myanmar's Indigenous Karen people, told the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues as it opened its session on Monday.
Indigenous Peoples are imprisoned for maintaining their rights to their land, in opposition to mining or pipelines. Indigenous leaders are targeted to suppress the entire community. The report points out that Indigenous languages are threatened. Further, the report states that banks and private sectors should not be allowed to support this criminalization.
The report points out the use of the law to criminalize the defense of rights. It also points out the inadequate recognition of indigenous rights in national laws.
https://social.desa.un.org/sites/default/files/n2403079%20EN.pdf .  Sonia Guajajara, Minister of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil. Screenshot by Censored News "We will never again have a Brazil without us," said Sonia Guajajara, Minister of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil, during her passionate appeal in the defense of Indigenous in the Amazon, during the opening of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues on Monday. "This is not a legacy that is given," she said. "We must be courageous and walk together." The journey begins here, she said, "So the world will never again walk without the participation and knowledge of Indigenous People." Guajajara said the Free Land Camp, the largest gathering of Brazil in last 20 years, begins next week, which means many Indigenous in Brazil are preparing now for this gathering. Progress is being made, but a systematic approach is needed to protect against environmental racism. "We cannot leave anyone behind." Referring to a just transition, she said half of the energy transition minerals are in Indigenous Peoples' territory. "We cannot allow this to result in more violations." "The extreme right and climate deniers will gain strength if social inequalities widen with climate changes." Without protection, organized crime and destructive capitalist policies will remain strong. She said the environmental agenda must be combined with the human rights agenda. There must be free, prior and informed consent. Respect must be given for the rights of youths, women and those with disabilities, she said, urging working with other groups focused on the protection of Mother Earth. The United Nations said on Monday, "Lack of investments in Indigenous women and girls remain particularly acute. The Forum also pressed for special attention on promoting Indigenous women-led initiatives to strengthen their economic rights, further empowering Indigenous women and girls and dispelling harmful stereotypes that reinforce discrimination." "The contributions of Indigenous women are invaluable to our societies. We must take action now to ensure they have equal access to finance and support, empowering them to lead and succeed,” urged H.E. Sonia Guajajara, Minister of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil.  Hannah McGlade speaking at opening session on Monday. Screenshot by Censored News Australia's Incarceration of Aboriginal Youths: Cruel and Inhumane "Unliveable, disgusting and inhumane," those are the conditions that children endure in Australia's prisons. The policy of taking Aboriginal children from their families continues with the cruel and inhumane treatment of Aboriginal children in prisons, Hannah McGlade told the U.N. "Their lives are precious, their lives matter," McGlade said. The removal of Aboriginal children from their families, high rates of child incarceration, and extensive hours in solidarity confinement, are among the reasons that Australia has one of the highest suicide rates in the world. McGlade praised Australia's youths for their efforts for constitutional reform. However, it was denied, and the voice of Australia's Aboriginals denied. |
Chair of UNPFII Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, Chad. Screenshot by Censored News.
David Choquehuanca, Vice President of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, highlighted the role of Indigenous Peoples in putting the planet first, the United Nations said.
"We must transition from an anthropocentric to a biocentric approach to ensure our youth hands over a healthier Mother Earth to the generations to come. This necessitates redirecting financial resources directly into the hands of Indigenous Peoples, the stewards of our planet’s biodiversity."
Over 2,000 participants convened at the Forum joined by representatives from the United Nations.
This year, the Forum spotlights Indigenous Peoples’ rights to self-determination and voices of Indigenous youth. Read the U.N. statement at: https://www.un.org/en/desa-en/opening-remarks-23rd-session-un-permanent-forum-indigenous-issues
NEW! Day 2: Warriors for New Generation: Indigenous Youths Lead UN Permanent Forum
Appointment of our sister Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, from the Mbororo pastoral community in Chad, as the chair of the 23rd session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. Photo Indigenous Peoples Rights International.
Censored News new series on the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
Bolivia: The Women in My Community Have Always Been Warriors
Spotlight on Indigenous Youths: Katisha Paul
Omaha Nathan Phillips: Prayer, Lithium and an Ancient Language Lost
Blood Memories: Indigenous Women on the Frontlines Inspire with Words and Action
Warriors for a New Generation: Indigenous Youths
Indigenous Youths Lead at UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
About the author
Brenda Norrell has been a news reporter in Indian country for 42 years, beginning at the Navajo Times during the 18 years that she lived on the Navajo Nation. She served as a correspondent for The Associated Press and USA Today. After serving as a longtime staff reporter for Indian Country Today, she was censored and terminated. She created Censored News in 2006. Today with 23 million page views, it has no ads or revenues.
Article copyright Brenda Norrell, Censored News
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